Thermal gradient exchange materials processing method

A method of thermally processing work pieces comprising:

• providing an insulated chamber having a first end, an opposing second end, and a middle portion disposed between the first and second ends, wherein the first end is inclined with respect to the middle portion;
• creating a thermal gradient within an interior of the insulated chamber, the first and second ends maintained at a first temperature and the middle portion maintained at a second temperature;
• disposing at least two work pieces within an interior of the insulated chamber, wherein the at least two work pieces include a first work piece and a second work piece;
• and
• providing a means for gradually moving a workpiece from the first end to the second end within the created thermal gradient,
• wherein the first and second work pieces are positioned in the insulated chamber at the same time after allowing the first work piece to equilibrate with the second temperature.